GPs at the press of a button as app creates ‘Uber doctors’
AN new ‘Uber doctor’ service has been launched in Birmingham – though it will set patients back as much as £150 for a 25-minute consultation.
Rather like the taxi app, the GP Delivered Quick service will see on-demand doctors travel to people’s homes after being booked via a smartphone.
The price, which starts at £120 for a weekday consultation, and £150 for a weekend appointment, includes written prescriptions or referrals.
The CQC-approved service launched in London last December.
GPDQ is to be rolled it out to Birmingham seven days a week between 8am and 11pm.
There will be around 20 doctors initially working in the city, with a view to increasing the number as the service grows.
The medic behind the app, Dr Anshumen Bhagat, a North London GP with 15 years experience in the NHS and private healthcare sectors, said: “GPDQ is digitising the home visit – it really is that simple.
“Patients benefit from speed and flexibility, with the ability to see a doctor when and where it suits them, booking and tracking their GP through their smartphone.
“Our 25-minute appointments allow for a more in depth consultation, whilst our two hour prescription delivery service provides an extra level of convenience.”
Dr Bhagat added: “The feedback from both our patients and our doctors in London has been fantastic. We’ve expanded the service to include vaccinations and healthchecks, also offering corporate solutions to improve employee wellbeing.
“Now we feel the time is right to bring GPDQ to more UK locations, starting with Birmingham.”
Users can also book and pay for an appointment on behalf of someone else, for example a child. The apps are available to download for iOS and Android.